The 3rd annual Eastern Cape Fashion Week™️ is set to captivate fashion enthusiasts from Gqeberha, the Eastern Cape, and beyond, with a standout performance by South African multi-platinum-selling artist Lira.
Known for her positive music and spectacular live performances, Lira’s career spans over 20 years, with six albums, four live DVDs, and a documentary series. Lira’s inspiring story of recovery from a stroke in March 2022, which left her unable to read, write, or speak, adds a special significance to her appearance. Despite the challenges, Lira has worked tirelessly to regain her speech and relearn how to read and write. Her journey has transformed her into a sought-after inspirational speaker, sharing her experiences in her talk titled “My Stroke of Luck.”
Event Highlights
The event kicks off on August 7, 2024, with a Designers’ Workshop at Boardwalk ICC for Eastern Cape fashion and textile designers. This workshop, featuring industry and SMME experts, offers valuable knowledge and tools to help small businesses scale and improve. Seats are limited and can be booked at www.ecfashionweek.co.za.
Mrs. Namhla Fihla, one of the organizers, announced that the guest designer this year is the legendary Mr. Sonwabile Ndamase, renowned for designing Tata Mandela’s famous shirts. “We are truly fortunate to have Mr. Ndamase showcasing his line before he heads to New York for a major runway show in September,” said Fihla.
Mr Ndamase will be honoured with the “Eastern Cape Fashion Week Cape Aloe Legacy Award” during the prestigious fashion show on August 10 at the Boardwalk Convention Centre. This award recognizes his significant contributions to fashion and his impact on South Africa’s democracy over the past 30 years. Busi Nxele, another organizer, explained that the Cape Aloe, the Eastern Cape’s provincial flower, symbolizes resilience and tenacity, making it a perfect representation for the award.
Designers and Theme
This year’s theme, “Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy – Expressions of FREEDOM,” challenges designers to tell a story through their garments. Local designers will be judged by a panel of experts and could win awards for Best Collection and Best Showstopper Garment.
Featured Designers:
- Sandi Dani Designs by Sandisiwe Dani
- Lemfux SA by Athenkosi Mfungula
- Cush Designs by Siyabulela Zondani
- Carlos Fritz Creations by Carlos Fritz
- Msaba Emporium by Thakazelwa Mhlomi
- Martin John Bespoke by Martin John Steenkamp
- Handmade by Tazleigh by Tazleigh Swartz
- Ukhobo by Khanyisa Miliho
- Whimsical Child Clothing by Annabel Hift
- Van Zyl Apparel by Jan Hendrik Van Zyl
In addition to these esteemed designers, Nelson Mandela University fashion design students will feature as guest designers and captivating performances will be integrated into the runway shows.
Event Details
- Date: August 7-10, 2024
- Location: Boardwalk ICC and Boardwalk Convention Centre
- Tickets: R500, including dinner and Black Carpet experience. Available at Webticket, Pick n Pay, and Boxer stores.
- Sponsors: National Lotteries Commission, Sun Boardwalk, Business & Arts South Africa, Woolworths Beauty, The Tramways, Legends Barber, and Ebubeleni Festival Projects.
For more information, contact info@ecfashionweek.co.za or call 041 582 2553.
Don’t miss this celebration of creativity and innovation in fashion, highlighted by Lira’s inspiring performance.
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